Yoga to some and to me is about refining the mind and cultivating clear perception so that we connect with, and act from, the place of true Self. This is an important step for me to process change in my habits; replacing old ways of thinking and reacting with new habits that serve me better.

Some days I have a strong urge to drink my tension away, instead of taking time to nurture the tension’s birth place. Pantanjali reminds us that this process of personal growth and development, of refining the mind and changing our habits, is something that happens gradually, over a long period of time. And, like a willing person learning a new skill, it’s a process of fits and starts. There is a flash of clarity, followed by a period of nonclarity. This flash of clarity followed by nonclarity may last days months or years. Even as these flashes of clarity become more frequent, I still feel I have taken one step back for every two steps forward.

I do notice myself responding to situations with more patience, yet I still lose my temper, or fall back into an old pattern of playing the victim, or revert to some other habit that isn’t serving me.

I now realize how blessed I am to have faith, strength and steadfastness to achieve higher levels of proficiency, refinement, and understanding. And by definition, my process cannot be compared with anyone else’s.

Compassion and patience for others processes have allowed me to feel empowered by the knowledge that I am enough, and I can move away from an attitude of judgment and comparison to one of appreciataion for my erfforts and the efforts of others.

Like I said, I sometimes have a strong urge to drink my tension away, yet I don’t and this is Yoga to me.

peace peace peace

mama t